Scope vs Red dot on Mk 2

[prairiedog555]

I was convinced on getting a red dot for my Ruger, but after reading about all of the bad ones, the inexpensive under $150, and not quite understanding how you adjust red dot for POI  I am now thinking of a handgun scope. 
Quick shots are not needed, just accuracy.  Opinions please.

I was looking at a Bushnell trophy red dot. or a good inexpensive pistol scope.

[K.K]

I was in the same boat when I was trying to decide what glass to mount on my Ruger Mark III. I went with a cheap BSA red-dot. I will give you the pros and cons. First, the red dot is very fast and the sight picture easy to acquire. Being on the relatively cheap side, the dot does blur a bit, and it took me shooting a few groups to find true POI. That said, I have been able to turn out quite a few sub 2 inch groups at 25 yards, often around one inch. Much tighter at closer range. All this with cheap Wal-Mart ammo (Federal). The regulation tuurets are the same as as a scope, and precise. (windage and elevation at the side and top)

I have often thought that I could get tighter groups with a scope, given its greater magnification, and clarity. a variable gives you the option of close-in speed, and longer-range precision. However, I will most likely leave the red dot on, since I can shoot as well (for me) as I can with a rimfire handgun with this set-up. The only problem for me has been eye-relief for a scope. I often have to search for the target or game animal at arm's length before finding it.

Keep in mind, though that a suitable holster may be a problem.  Either of your choices sounds like a better quality scope than mine, and I think that you will like either. The Red-Dot offers speed and some more shooting for precision, the scope offers possibly more precise shots, especially at longer ranges.

Again, with optics, you usually get what you pay for, and I went cheap to see what I'd like. and, by the way, after about two years, I'm still on the same set of batteries with the red-dot.
Good luck, and let us know what you decide.

[prairiedog555]

Thanks for the info.
How did you mount it?  I have an older model with a bull barrel.  I have seen some mounting set ups that use rear site hole and also some that use a no drill clamp on.  B square and Solow I believe.

[K.K]

The Hunter cam with scope bases, kind of like a picatinny. The front and rear fiber optic sights are still on the gun. I used the mounts that came with the scope. Pretty cheap, but loc-tite has worked wonders, as everything was coming loose.

[Tom C.]

I mounted a Weaver rail on a MK II GC and put an Ultradot LT on it. Very small and light, good optics. Shoots very well. It helps that the gun is very accurate, but the combination of red dot on an accurate gun makes a nice pocket rifle.

[WNY_Whitetailer]

Thanks for the info.
How did you mount it?  I have an older model with a bull barrel.  I have seen some mounting set ups that use rear site hole and also some that use a no drill clamp on.  B square and Solow I believe.

I suggest that you give Jack Weigand a look-see.  I purchased a couple scope mounts from him and they are rock solid...One was for my Browning Buckmark and another for my Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter...He offers mounts for Ruger Mk I, II, III, and 22/45's...Ones for guns that a drilled and tapped and ones that use the rear sight dovetail for mounting...Either way, I am positive that you would be pleased with the mount.

Here's the link:
http://jackweigand.com/rm2fd.html

[Dogshooter]

I have a BSA 2x EER scope on my MKII and a red dot (Burris  FastFire) on my S&W Model 41. The Smith usually goes hunting with me more often because it is easier to get on target (I hunt cottontails with it). As for accuracy, they are pretty much the same. The Smith shoots the same with the red dot or the scope. I tried both on it. Had a cheap red dot  for a while on the Ruger and they aren't bright enough on sunny days and especially when there is snow on the ground. A good one will be. As for cheap scopes, like the BSA, they work OK as long as you don't subject them to too much recoil.

[mangulator]

I have a BSA red dot on my Ruger single six and I am quite pleased with it but I am looking at panoramic sight by BSA or holosight from Bushnell

[coyotejoe]

I second the nomination of the Burris FastFire. I have one on my AMT Automag ll and get better groups than I've had in years with open sights. It is mounted on the slide of the AMT over the original rear sight location and adds very little bulk over the original rear sight and at less than two ounces it probably weighs less than the original rear sight. If you have a holster cut away to expose the rear sight it will work just as well for the FastFire sight. Adjustment is rather imprecise and it takes a while to get it perfectly zeroed but with .22s it is no pain to do some shooting.

[Chris]

Got an UltraDot 25 on my Ruger Comp...cost ~$125.

The dot is small enough so as to not cover a target.  Rested, I can put them all in the 10-ring at 30m shooting picnic shells...which is good enough for me.

...Chris

[J. Plate]

Buckmark Camper + Bushnell Trophy (6MOA dot) + Jack Weigand base.



I was rolling 65 yard, woodchuck sized targets yesterday with it.   Only about 15 minutes after sighting it in. 

[mangulator]

J. Plate, that is nice! I went from BSA to a Simmons Red Dot 30mm tube, with a 4 minute dot on my Ruger and was able to tag a couple of Jack Rabbits with mine.